BACKGROUND:The concept of small cup biopsy forceps via flexible bronchoscopy is very well established.During post covid era,where HRCT Chest and spirometry was inconclusive for unexplained breathlessness,transbronchial lung biopsy established the disgnosis.
AIM:Purpose of this study is to evaluate the productive yield of small cup biopsy forceps for transbronchial lung biopsy in suspected post viral fibrotic lung disease
METHOD:Total of 270 bronchoscopies were performed between 20/07/21 till 01/01/23 at Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute,Meerut,UP.We recorded demographic features,indication of bronchoscopy,dose of propofol,duration of procedure,minor and major adverse events.
RESULT:Out of 270 flexible bronchoscopies,lung biopsies were performed in 73 patients between 35 yrs to 86 yrs.The ratio of Male and Females were 48:25.Malignancy was confirmed in 3 patients whereas 4 biopsies were inconclusive.Total transbronchial lung biopsies were done on either proved or suspected post viral and post covid patients.Total of 7 biopsies were either from lung mass or bronchial biopsy.Out of 64 transbronchial lung biopsy,44 patients were confirmed as fibrotic ild,18 were confirmed as fibrotic NSIP,2 were cellular NSIP and 1 was RBILD.Complications like pneumothorax were seen in 3 patients and 2 patients were managed by intercostal drinage.
CONCLUSION:Small cup biopsy forcep with flexible bronchoscopy is eqally effective as compared to standard biopsy forcep in confirming fibrotic and non fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease with minimal side effects and hospital stay.